FSU softball: Offense rallies, Reid shuts down Purdue for comeback win

FSU softball (13-5) got back on the winning side of things with a 15-9 come-from-behind victory over the Purdue Boilermakers Saturday morning. The Noles continue to struggle early in games as starting pitcher Ashtyn Danley surrendered six runs in the bottom of the first inning after FSU gained a 1-0 lead. Danley managed to get two outs before Makenna Reid came in to relieve her. Danley allowed five hits, two walks, one strikeout, and allowed six earned runs. However, Reid was lights out in relief, holding the Boilermakers scoreless through 5.1 innings, allowing one hit, walking one, and recording seven strikeouts. Freshman Mimi Gooden pitched the final inning, walking the first batter, and hitting the second one before getting a ground out to third base. She allowed a run on a fielder's choice and walked another batter before allowing a two-run scoring double on an 0-2 count. She finally got the final out on a ground out. Offensively, several FSU batters had big days. Jaysoni Beachum continues to terrorize pitchers with her solo home run in the top of the first. Beachum went 2-2 with two RBI. Kalei Harding went 2-4 with three RBI. Isa Torres had two RBI, and Amaya Ross went 3-3 with two RBI and three stolen bases, including a home run.

Kennedy Harp went 2-2 with two RBI, including her first career home run. FSU batters pounded 14 hits and 10walks against three strikeouts. The Noles scored runs in every inning and went 7-17 with runners in scoring position, a great improvement over their performance against FGCU Friday. The offense has shown the ability to fight back from early adversity, and they'll score runs for the most part. The biggest takeaway from this game was Makenna Reid stopping the bleeding early and giving the offense a shot to respond. Reid is showing signs of life compared to earlier in the year. Purdue isn't a great hitting team, but it was good to see her limit the walks and get the strikeouts she became accustomed to last year. The Noles will return to action quickly against Western Michigan Saturday afternoon before finishing up the FGCU Spring Break Classic looking to avenge Friday's loss against FGCU Sunday afternoon.